Forum Flash | A more perfect, inclusive union

Judge Heyburn

The headlines had hardly settled from Judge John G. Heyburn II's ruling on the unconstitutionality of at least part of Kentucky's same-sex marriage ban before another judge, in another Southern state, made similar headlines.

The Heyburn ruling came on Wednesday, and has been covered copiously in these pages. On Thursday came a ruling by federal Judge Arenda Wright Allen of Virginia, who overturned the state's voter-approved ban with these words:

"The court is compelled to conclude that Virginia's marriage laws unconstitutionally deny Virginia's gay and lesbian citizens the fundamental freedom to choose to marry. Government interests in perpetuating traditions, shielding state matters from federal interference, and favoring one model of parenting over others must yield to this country's cherished protections that ensure the exercise of the private choices of the individual citizen regarding love and family."

Framing the case and the cause as a civil rights issue, and echoing Judge Heyburn's sentiments in his ruling, she wrote, "Tradition is revered in the Commonwealth, and often rightly so. However, tradition alone cannot justify denying same-sex couples the right to marry any more than it could justify Virginia's ban on interracial marriage."

Judge Heyburn's ruling on Kentucky said this state must recognize same-sex marriages that occurred in other states. What will happen with the rest of Kentucky's law - which bans gay citizens of Kentucky getting married in the state - remains to be seen.

Judge Allen stayed her ruling, pending appeal.

In both cases, the decisions were most welcome in places that had codified discrimination against their LGBT citizens in their state constitutions.

The tide turning against such discrimination is overdue, and is something for every American, gay, straight or questioning, to celebrate.

As Judge Allen wrote in her decision, "We have arrived upon another moment in history when 'We the People' becomes more inclusive, and our freedom more perfect."

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Forum Flash | A more perfect, inclusive union

The headlines had hardly settled from Judge John G. Heyburn II's ruling on the unconstitutionality of at least part of Kentucky's same-sex marriage ban before another judge, in another Southern state,